PITTSBURGH, Dec. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --
/ Key Highlights
- Synhelion utilizes Ansys solutions to enable sustainable
transportation and reduce CO2 emissions by replacing fossil fuels
with solar fuels
- Synhelion uses Ansys' multiphysics simulation through the Ansys
Startup Program to overcome design challenges, predict future
outcomes, and reduce prototyping time
- Synhelion will build the world's first plant capable of
producing solar fuels at an industrial scale in 2022
Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) solutions are helping Synhelion steer
toward cleaner transportation and net-zero emissions by helping to
enable the development of solar fuels to replace fossil fuels.
Synhelion became a member of the Ansys Startup Program in the
beginning of 2020 when cooperation with the Swiss Elite Channel
Partner CADFEM started. As global pioneer in the field of
sustainable solar fuels, Synhelion uses Ansys' multiphysics
simulation solutions and high-temperature solar heat to convert
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into synthetic fuels — such as solar
gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel — that are compatible with
conventional internal combustion engines and aircraft turbines.
To perform this conversion, mirrors reflect the sunlight and
concentrate it directly onto a solar receiver where a heat-transfer
fluid is heated to temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, or
2,732 degrees Fahrenheit. This solar heat is then used to drive the
thermochemical reactor that produces sustainable fuel. Synhelion
leverages Ansys' computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite
element analysis (FEA) software entrusting Ansys® Fluent® and
Ansys® Mechanical™ to understand the complex flow and replicate
thermo-fluid dynamics to design and validate capable equipment,
despite scorching temperatures. With Ansys' best-in-class
simulation tools, Synhelion can overcome design challenges, predict
future outcomes, and reduce prototyping time. The resulting solar
fuel solves various challenges, including being cleaner, more
economic, easier to transport, and able to be stored
indefinitely.
"Ansys' CFD and FEA simulation allows us to develop, test, and
validate extremely complex technology to create sustainable solar
fuels," said Lukas Geissbühler, Head Thermal Systems at Synhelion.
"Particularly, in developing our solar receiver, we needed
sophisticated and predictively accurate software and Ansys
delivered. Thanks to Ansys' software, we could reduce prototyping
time and build our first industrial receiver more quickly."
By using concentrated solar energy directly in a thermochemical
process, Synhelion can utilize 100% of the light spectrum, rather
than employing photovoltaic (PV) panels, where only 20% of the
light spectrum can be utilized. Further, Synhelion's thermal energy
storage technology enables low-cost solar heat round-the-clock —
giving a significant advantage over competitors, who require
expensive electricity storage for continuous operation.
"Ansys is passionate about creating a sustainable future from
road infrastructure to aviation and everything in between," said
Shane Emswiler, senior vice
president of products at Ansys. "By helping to enable a solution
for sustainable fuels, we are driving sustainable innovation
forward on the ground and in the air, addressing climate change
challenges, and moving toward a cleaner future."
Synhelion recently raised 16 million
Swiss francs (about $17.5
million) during its Series B funding round and will use the
funding to build the world's first plant capable of producing solar
fuels at an industrial scale. Synhelion is also using solar heat to
produce cleaner cement, working in partnership with CEMEX, a global
concrete and cement manufacturing company.
/ About Synhelion
Synhelion is a global pioneer in the field of sustainable solar
fuels. The clean energy company evolved from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
in 2016 to decarbonize transportation. Solar fuels can replace all
types of fossil fuels as they are economically viable and fully
compatible with existing global infrastructure. Synhelion's unique
technology converts concentrated solar heat into the hottest
existing process heat on the market, making it possible to drive an
unprecedented number of industrial processes such as fuel
production and cement manufacturing with solar heat. The company
already works with international partners such as Lufthansa Group,
Wood, Eni, CEMEX, and Zurich Airport. For more information, please
visit: www.synhelion.com
/ About Ansys
If you've ever seen a rocket launch, flown on an airplane,
driven a car, used a computer, touched a mobile device, crossed a
bridge, or put on wearable technology, chances are you've used a
product where Ansys software played a critical role in its
creation. Ansys is the global leader in engineering simulation.
Through our strategy of Pervasive Engineering Simulation, we help
the world's most innovative companies deliver radically better
products to their customers. By offering the best and broadest
portfolio of engineering simulation software, we help them solve
the most complex design challenges and create products limited only
by imagination. Founded in 1970, Ansys is headquartered south of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Visit www.ansys.com for more information.
Ansys and any and all ANSYS, Inc. brand, product, service and
feature names, logos and slogans are registered trademarks or
trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All
other brand, product, service and feature names or trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
ANSS–C
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Contacts
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Media
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Mary Kate
Joyce
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724.820.4368
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marykate.joyce@ansys.com
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Investors
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Kelsey
DeBriyn
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724.820.3927
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kelsey.debriyn@ansys.com
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SOURCE Ansys